Contributions of traditional healers and traditional birth attendants to maternal health in Soweto, South Africa

Thabisile Qwabi, Lunghile Shivambo, Lerato Ntsie, Shabnam Shaik, Siobhan Johnstone, Maria Maixenchs, John Blenvis, Ziyaad Dangor, Shabir A. Madhi and Nellie Myburgh
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Thabisile Qwabi: Department of Vaccines and Infectious Disease Analytics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Lunghile Shivambo: Department of Vaccines and Infectious Disease Analytics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Lerato Ntsie: Social Scientist, Department of Vaccines and Infectious Disease Analytics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Shabnam Shaik: Department of Vaccines and Infectious Disease Analytics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Siobhan Johnstone: Department of Vaccines and Infectious Disease Analytics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Maria Maixenchs: Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
John Blenvis: Emory Global Health Institute
Ziyaad Dangor: Department of Vaccines and Infectious Disease Analytics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Shabir A. Madhi: Department of Vaccines and Infectious Disease Analytics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Nellie Myburgh: Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa.

International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), 2025, vol. 14, issue 8, 637-646

Abstract: This paper aims to explore how Traditional Healers (THs) and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) support women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period in Soweto, Johannesburg. Traditional healing remains a central part of maternal healthcare in South Africa, where cultural beliefs and accessibility influence women’s health-seeking behaviours. Using a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive design, data were collected through key informant interviews with eight participants (five THs and three TBAs) selected through purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns in traditional knowledge, practices, and beliefs related to maternal healthcare. Findings revealed that THs and TBAs play an essential role across the maternal care continuum. In the diagnostic phase, they identify fertility challenges, breech pregnancies, and spiritual causes of illness through ancestral guidance, bone divination, and dreams. During the antenatal period, they provide herbal remedies such as isihlambezo to cleanse and strengthen the womb and perform protective rituals against witchcraft and evil spirits. In the perinatal stage, TBAs assist with labour management, delivery, and placental expulsion using culturally informed methods. Their postnatal care includes uterine cleansing, breastfeeding support, newborn care, and follow-up home visits. These practices, grounded in indigenous knowledge systems, coexist with biomedical care and remain vital due to their cultural resonance and accessibility. The study concludes that strengthening collaboration between traditional and biomedical health systems could enhance culturally sensitive, community-based approaches to maternal healthcare in South Africa. Key Words: Traditional medicine; Pregnancy; Traditional birth attendants; Traditional healers; Maternal health; Qualitative research

Date: 2025
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